I have been advised that some residents in the Holtdales have been the subject of Cold Calling recently by person or persons unknown. The Holtdales are part of a “No Cold Calling Zone” protection area. The latest information around this is:
Residents
What is doorstep crime?
The majority of people who knock on your door ARE likely to be genuine. However, it is important to know that some are rogue traders, doorstep criminals and uninvited sales people and may turn up unannounced, with the intention of tricking their way into your home.
So-called ‘doorstep crime’ often results from an initial cold call. Unscrupulous traders will prey on the elderly and vulnerable members of society, carry out unnecessary, substandard and sometimes even dangerous work and then use strong arm tactics to persuade consumers to part with large sums of money for poor workmanship. In addition, burglars may use cold calling as a pretext to engage in distraction burglary or sneak in thefts.
Safety Tips
Avoid being a victim by following these ‘Stay Safe’ Tips:
- Always have your doors locked. Distraction burglaries occur when one person has you engaged at the front door and an accomplice enters through the back door. Have a spy hole on your door so you can see who is calling
- Always ask for id and confirm it with the organisation they claim to be with by getting the number from your local directory or the internet. Don’t rely on the number the salesperson has given you
- Use a door chain before you let anybody in
- Be aware of pressure selling tactics such as claims of special offers or offers that are only on for one day and don’t let them make you think that you are the odd one out on the street who hasn’t bought from them
- If someone claims they are part of a Trade Association or an approved body, ensure they have evidence and don’t be scared to check up on them
- If you have arranged an appointment for someone to come and see you, use the password scheme when booking with the organisation. If the person calling on you doesn’t know the agreed password, don’t let them in
- Report incidents of pushy sales people or suspicious traders to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08082231133 and the Police on the 101 number
What is a Cold Calling Control Zone?
Whilst cold calling is not currently illegal, it is a practice that the vast majority of people do not want. Some people may find it intimidating, frightening and intrusive, not to mention irritating and frustrating at times.
Cold Calling Control Zones are areas which are considered to be vulnerable to doorstep crime and where residents have, collectively, stated that they do not want cold callers.
The main aim of the zones is to prevent incidents of doorstep crime, raise awareness of the activities of rogue traders who target vulnerable people, and give residents the confidence to say NO to uninvited callers as a community. Therefore, reducing levels and fear of crime in the allocated areas.
Zones are clearly identified by signs on lamp posts at the main entrance and exit points, informing traders that they are entering an area where residents do not buy goods and services at the door. Each household will also receive an informative booklet offering advice, as well as a door sticker to deter unwanted callers.
Cold Calling Control Zones are a low maintenance initiative and, once established, are easily sustained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Exemptions – some doorstep callers are exempt from the Cold Calling Control Zones (CCCZ’s) such as:
- Everyday traders (existing milk men, window cleaners)
- Enforcement agencies
- Charities - Professional fundraising agencies are not exempt
- Religious groups
- Betterware/Avon agents
- Political canvassing
However if you have any suspicions re the above or they are using questionable tactics, calling late at night, not taking ‘NO’ for an answer then this should be reported to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Police 101 number.
Junk Mail – CCCZ’s does not stop junk mail. Residents can register with the Mailing Preference Service or ring 0845 703 4599.
Telephone Calls – CCCZ’s does not stop unsolicited phone calls. Residents can register with the Telephone Preference Service or call 0845 070 0707.
Useful Numbers - Click here to view a list of useful telephone numbers and website information for organisations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Traders
Click here to view all the zones highlighted so if you are cold calling then you know which streets to avoid.
Legal
It's a banned practice under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 to ‘Conduct personal visits to the consumer’s home ignoring the consumer’s request to leave or not to return except in circumstances and to extent justified to enforce a contractual obligation.’
The above legislation prohibits cold callers to door knock at a property that is clearly displaying a Cold Calling Control Zone sticker or any other sticker requesting cold callers not to knock.
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT PROFESSIONAL FUNDRAISING AGENCIES COLLECTING ON BEHALF OF CHARITIES ARE CLASSED AS TRADERS.
Contact Us
Email: [email protected]
- Address: West Yorkshire Trading Standards, Nepshaw Lane South, Morley, LS27 7JQ
Summary
- It is up to the individual trader to check if they are going to try selling in a No Cold Calling Zone.
- The Size/number of signs are not a matter of compliance i.e. if the area is “No Cold Calling” it means that even if signs are turned around/missing etc., the zone is still active.
- The use of the door signs are recommended, but again nobody should operate in a “ No Cold Calling Zone”, it means what it says.
- Residents should contact the Police or the Citizens Advice Helpline immediately an event occurs.
- Best action by residents is do not answer your door unless you are happy to talk to callers.
- If residents do not engage with callers, they will stop trying if they have no success.
- WYJS have agreed to use social media to remind everyone of their obligations.
- There are no exemptions granted by the police
- The Probation Service do not have any exemptions
- If a resident feels uncomfortable they should report the incident
- Illegal Callers will ignore signs
Once you have reported an incident to the appropriate person, can you please email me on [email protected] or phone 0113 3367742 to let me know, I can then follw it up with them.
Housing and I are currentkly looking to whether or not this should be escalted as a project after advice from West Yorkshire Trading Standards and Citizens Advice.
Finally I would reiterate the davice that if you feel threatened or frightened as a result of a knock at your door report it to the police immediately on:
To report a crime, please ring 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
Alternatively, you can report online at: https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/report-it
Or email Outer North West PWA [email protected]
